Chapter 436

The attendees streamed into the adjacent grand hall where the charity auction was about to commence.

Evelyn discreetly slipped away from the media frenzy, seeking refuge in the quiet corridor to catch her breath.

"Ms. Carter!" Theodore hurried toward her with concern etched across his features. "Are you unwell?"

"Just some persistent journalists." She waved a dismissive hand. "What harm could they possibly do?"

Though composed, a faint crease appeared between Evelyn's brows. "You shouldn't be here. The auction requires your attention."

"But I was concerned about your wellbeing." Theodore's voice carried a rasp of anxiety. "Those reporters were clearly planted to undermine you! They kept circling back to past missteps to tarnish your image."

"Isn't that their job?" Evelyn arched an elegant eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Should they shower me with praise simply because it's a charity event?" Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "Besides, their questions weren't unfounded. There were indeed... lapses in management that certain opportunistic vultures exploited. I can hardly blame the messengers."

Theodore's mind immediately conjured images of Cassandra and Penelope.

"You're mistaken about one thing," Evelyn continued, leaning against the marble wall while absently tapping her shoulder. "Those journalists weren't sent to destroy me, but to assist me." Her eyes gleamed with quiet calculation. "Let Cassandra revel in her petty schemes. I specialize in watching my adversaries plummet from their self-constructed pedestals precisely when they believe victory is assured." A dark chuckle escaped her lips. "How utterly delightful."

Theodore observed how Evelyn's gaze darkened dangerously, mirroring Sebastian's ruthless demeanor so perfectly it sent an involuntary shiver down his spine.

This exquisite rose concealed venomous thorns beneath her beauty.

Recalling his duties as the Monarch Group's executive secretary, Theodore hastily returned to oversee the auction preparations.

Having worked tirelessly since dawn with only a light breakfast, Evelyn hadn't eaten all day. Not a morsel of lunch or dinner, nor even a sip of water.

Her stomach protested loudly as she collapsed onto a plush sofa, kicking off her stilettos to reveal pale, aching feet. Curling into herself, she winced at the sharp pangs of hunger.

"Starving..." she murmured weakly, eyelids fluttering shut.

Then an unmistakable aroma teased her senses - rich, velvety chocolate.

Assuming hunger-induced hallucination, she instinctively sniffed the air like a curious kitten.

"Planning to inhale it rather than eat?" A deep, resonant voice laced with icy amusement cut through her daze.

Evelyn's heart stuttered. Her eyes flew open.

Wide, startled emerald orbs locked with Nathan's mesmerizing dark ones - those fathomless eyes that never failed to unravel her composure no matter the circumstance.

The scene before her was surreal: Evelyn lay curled on the sofa while Nathan knelt before her on one knee, holding out a decadent chocolate cupcake.

Her empty stomach clenched painfully.

Three years of marriage, yet Nathan had never once bent his knee or lowered his proud head for her. During her most vulnerable moments, when she'd loved him desperately like a moth drawn to flame, she'd been the one humbling herself, swallowing tears of heartbreak.

The memories brought an unexpected sting to her eyes, her breathing turning uneven.

Nathan maintained his position, brow furrowing slightly at her lack of response. "You were complaining about hunger. Why refuse? It's your favorite - chocolate. Not poisoned, I assure you."

"I don't want it." The words scraped against her throat, thick with unshed tears and bitterness.

"Agnes mentioned your gastric issues. Prolonged fasting isn't advisable."

"I said I'm not eating it!"

With a sudden violent motion, Evelyn swatted the cupcake from Nathan's hand.

"Evelyn!" His voice held shocked fury.

The delicate pastry sailed through the air before shattering against the floor, its fragments scattering like broken promises.

Nathan's obsidian eyes burned into hers. The heat of his anger warred with the icy disappointment flooding his veins, leaving him chilled to the bone.

More than the cupcake had crumbled - so had something fragile between them.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Nathan bit out through clenched teeth. "Can't you recognize basic kindness?"

Evelyn sat up abruptly, hunger forgotten beneath the storm of emotions. "I despise you! More so for this sudden consideration!" Her voice trembled with barely restrained fury. "Nathan, do you realize your pity feels more insulting than your indifference ever did?"